In the early 19th century, Canton was the centre of China's foreign trade and the base of the foreign trading community.
Being closely associated with the Jardine, Matheson & Co. which was established by the Scotsmen, the Scottish community were strong in Canton as well as Hong Kong, where the Jardine Matheson & Co. set up their headquarters and established their offices and accommodation at East Point after it was occupied by Britain in 1841.
[1] The St. Andrew’s Dinners were held at East Point from the 1850s until it was moved to the Hong Kong Club in Central, at that time located at the corner of Queen’s Road Central and Wyndham Street.
[2] The St. Andrew’s Dinners were turned into an Annual Ball from 1877.
[2] The St. Andrew's Challenge Quaich (聖安度挑戰碟), which is now held every year at the Happy Valley Racecourse, is founded and awarded by the Society.